A public affairs director told the Daily News that the snake was a juvenile cottonmouth about 10 to 12 inches long and was camouflaged on the ground when the boy approached it. The snake was captured alive.

Medical officials gave the child anti-venom at the scene and flew him via helicopter to a local trauma center. He is currently recovering.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, cottonmouth snakes can grow up to five feet long. They are the only venomous water snakes in Florida and are usually found along stream banks, near lakes and marshes.